Psa. 39:1 I said, “I will guard my ways
That I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle
While the wicked are in my presence.”
Psa. 39:2 I was mute and silent,
I refrained even from good,
And my sorrow grew worse.
Psa. 39:3 My heart was hot within me,
While I was musing the fire burned;
Then I spoke with my tongue:
Psa. 39:4 “LORD, make me to know my end
And what is the extent of my days;
Let me know how transient I am.
Psa. 39:5 “Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths,
And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight;
Surely every man at his best is a mere breath. Selah.
Psa. 39:6 “Surely every man walks about as a phantom;
Surely they make an uproar for nothing;
He amasses riches and does not know who will gather them.
Psa. 39:7 “And now, Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in You.
Psa. 39:8 “Deliver me from all my transgressions;
Make me not the reproach of the foolish.
Psa. 39:9 “I have become mute, I do not open my mouth,
Because it is You who have done it.
Psa. 39:10 “Remove Your plague from me;
Because of the opposition of Your hand I am perishing.
Psa. 39:11 “With reproofs You chasten a man for iniquity;
You consume as a moth what is precious to him;
Surely every man is a mere breath. Selah.
Psa. 39:12 “Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry;
Do not be silent at my tears;
For I am a stranger with You,
A sojourner like all my fathers.
Psa. 39:13 “Turn Your gaze away from me, that I may smile again
Before I depart and am no more.”
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Women in the Church
Just got this email yesterday and am still reading the articles, but I thought it was important enough to pass along quickly.
I was frustrated we did not get anywhere at General Assembly about women in the church, but I think that has changed. Read along...
To: ByFaith Readers
From: Richard Doster, editor
Subject: Two articles in the current magazine
In June the PCA’s General Assembly rejected Overture Nine—to form a study committee investigating the issue of women deacons.
In his defense of this decision, Fred Greco, chairman of the Overtures Committee, urged more discussion at the local level. “There are,” Greco said, “venues for this discussion to take place in a less confrontational way.”
These discussions are underway—formally and informally—calmly and not so calmly. To encourage unity and civility, we’ve published two articles on the subject in the most recent issue of byFaith. They come from two of our most highly respected pastors, Ligon Duncan and Tim Keller. Both men know and love God’s Word. Both have unwavering allegiance to its authority. And, though they differ, each one respects the other.
As you approach these articles, we want you to be aware of these points of agreement:
* Both writers are firmly complementarian.
* They agree that no credible, biblical case can been made for the ordination of women to the teaching and ruling office in the church.
* They affirm that our polity and practice is to be informed by, and corrected by, Scripture alone.
* They urge us to engage the question with full respect for our fellow churchmen who hold different views.
* They urge us to focus on Scripture rather than to respond—either by reaction or adaptation—to the culture.
* And both agree, “The real question we ought to be asking is not should we have ordained female deacons or deaconesses but rather, what kind of deaconess, or female diaconal assistant, does the New Testament authorize?”
In publishing these articles, we hope to promote the peace and purity of the PCA.
For the sake of the kingdom,
Richard Doster
Editor
I was frustrated we did not get anywhere at General Assembly about women in the church, but I think that has changed. Read along...
To: ByFaith Readers
From: Richard Doster, editor
Subject: Two articles in the current magazine
In June the PCA’s General Assembly rejected Overture Nine—to form a study committee investigating the issue of women deacons.
In his defense of this decision, Fred Greco, chairman of the Overtures Committee, urged more discussion at the local level. “There are,” Greco said, “venues for this discussion to take place in a less confrontational way.”
These discussions are underway—formally and informally—calmly and not so calmly. To encourage unity and civility, we’ve published two articles on the subject in the most recent issue of byFaith. They come from two of our most highly respected pastors, Ligon Duncan and Tim Keller. Both men know and love God’s Word. Both have unwavering allegiance to its authority. And, though they differ, each one respects the other.
As you approach these articles, we want you to be aware of these points of agreement:
* Both writers are firmly complementarian.
* They agree that no credible, biblical case can been made for the ordination of women to the teaching and ruling office in the church.
* They affirm that our polity and practice is to be informed by, and corrected by, Scripture alone.
* They urge us to engage the question with full respect for our fellow churchmen who hold different views.
* They urge us to focus on Scripture rather than to respond—either by reaction or adaptation—to the culture.
* And both agree, “The real question we ought to be asking is not should we have ordained female deacons or deaconesses but rather, what kind of deaconess, or female diaconal assistant, does the New Testament authorize?”
In publishing these articles, we hope to promote the peace and purity of the PCA.
For the sake of the kingdom,
Richard Doster
Editor
The Case for Commissioning (Not Ordaining) Deaconesses
The Case for Our Current Policy on Female Deacons
Monday, August 25, 2008
A church member had been regularly encouraging me to join facebook, and being a sluggard, I never got a around to it. I had a myspace account, which I have not frequented for some time. I thought, what is the point of facebook? Another networking website I won't use.
Well I could not be more wrong.
I set up an account and have found it extremely useful in connecting with people. If you don't have one, I would encourage you to look into it. www.facebook.com
Well I could not be more wrong.
I set up an account and have found it extremely useful in connecting with people. If you don't have one, I would encourage you to look into it. www.facebook.com
Monday, August 18, 2008
Psalm 23 Again
I had a feeling this was going to happen.......
Even though Psalm 23 is only 6 verses, it is 6 verses that have been studied and meditated on for centuries. For that reason, there is a lot of work on Psalm 23 and numerous insights that are very interesting.
Take for example the reference to a table being prepared in verse 5. Before I studied the passage, I am thinking a standard table that you eat at. But in actuality, it is referring to something else, and it is related to sheep. ( big surprise).
So this past Sunday I was unable to finish the sermon and will finish Psalm 23 this coming Lord's Day.
Oh well, it will happen from time to time, but for some one who plans out sermons it kinda messes up my schedule, which is a little annoying. But if I am looking for someone to blame, the finger points back at me.
Even though Psalm 23 is only 6 verses, it is 6 verses that have been studied and meditated on for centuries. For that reason, there is a lot of work on Psalm 23 and numerous insights that are very interesting.
Take for example the reference to a table being prepared in verse 5. Before I studied the passage, I am thinking a standard table that you eat at. But in actuality, it is referring to something else, and it is related to sheep. ( big surprise).
So this past Sunday I was unable to finish the sermon and will finish Psalm 23 this coming Lord's Day.
Oh well, it will happen from time to time, but for some one who plans out sermons it kinda messes up my schedule, which is a little annoying. But if I am looking for someone to blame, the finger points back at me.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Our Guide through Psalm 23
When you come to a passage in scripture that is well known, like Psalm 23, it is sometimes a challenge to preach a sermon.
I think there are a number of reasons why that is so. I think the leading reason for me is feeling a bit intimidated that the passage is so meaningful to so many people that I want to make sure I do it justice.
Somewhere along my Christian Journey I heard a sermon on Psalm 23 that used Philip Keller's book, A Shepherd's look at Psalm 23 and was really impressed. Written in 1997, it is a classic and a must read if you want to truly appreciate Psalm 23.
Philip Keller will be a our guide this Sunday as we look at Psalm 23, I think it is going to be a very different sermon, and a very inspirational one. Come and join us this Sunday.
I think there are a number of reasons why that is so. I think the leading reason for me is feeling a bit intimidated that the passage is so meaningful to so many people that I want to make sure I do it justice.
Somewhere along my Christian Journey I heard a sermon on Psalm 23 that used Philip Keller's book, A Shepherd's look at Psalm 23 and was really impressed. Written in 1997, it is a classic and a must read if you want to truly appreciate Psalm 23.
Philip Keller will be a our guide this Sunday as we look at Psalm 23, I think it is going to be a very different sermon, and a very inspirational one. Come and join us this Sunday.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Sermon Text: Psalm 23
1The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
6Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
6Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Monsoon Season in New England
This July, it rained 18 days out of 31.
So far in August, it has rained 11 of the 12 days.
We have already exceeded our annual rainfall amount, and it is only August 12. Insane.
And of course, it is raining as I blog.
Rain, rain, go away!
So far in August, it has rained 11 of the 12 days.
We have already exceeded our annual rainfall amount, and it is only August 12. Insane.
And of course, it is raining as I blog.
Rain, rain, go away!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Wow! My Favorite Olympic Moment so far
I, like many in our world love watching the Olympics.
I stayed up late to watch the men's swimming relay and boy, was that exciting or what? If you have no idea what I am talking about, click on the article.
Go U.S.A.!
I stayed up late to watch the men's swimming relay and boy, was that exciting or what? If you have no idea what I am talking about, click on the article.
Go U.S.A.!
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Guest Speaker: Rev. David Stewart
We are blessed to have Rev. David Stewart from Portland, ME. David is the Associate Minister at Christ the Redeemer Church in Portland and a member of our Presbytery of Northern New England.
David will be preaching out of the Psalms which is great, because that is where we are as a church this summer. Come and join us this Sunday.
David will be preaching out of the Psalms which is great, because that is where we are as a church this summer. Come and join us this Sunday.
Sermon Text: Psalm 125
Psa. 125:1 Those who trust in the LORD
Are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever.
Psa. 125:2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
So the LORD surrounds His people
From this time forth and forever.
Psa. 125:3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest upon the land of the righteous,
So that the righteous will not put forth their hands to do wrong.
Psa. 125:4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good
And to those who are upright in their hearts.
Psa. 125:5 But as for those who turn aside to their crooked ways,
The LORD will lead them away with the doers of iniquity.
Peace be upon Israel.
Are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever.
Psa. 125:2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
So the LORD surrounds His people
From this time forth and forever.
Psa. 125:3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest upon the land of the righteous,
So that the righteous will not put forth their hands to do wrong.
Psa. 125:4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good
And to those who are upright in their hearts.
Psa. 125:5 But as for those who turn aside to their crooked ways,
The LORD will lead them away with the doers of iniquity.
Peace be upon Israel.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
A Reason to watch Larry King Live
I am not sure I have ever watched one of his shows, but I have a reason to do so now.
Steve Curtis Chapman, one of my favorite musical artists is a guest on the Larry King Show this coming Thursday Night.
If you remember, they went through a terrible tragedy in May with the lost of their 5 year old daughter. She was killed when their teenage son ran over her in their driveway.
I thought I would share this as it is one of the first times Steven Curtis Chapman has shared since that tragedy.
Steve Curtis Chapman, one of my favorite musical artists is a guest on the Larry King Show this coming Thursday Night.
If you remember, they went through a terrible tragedy in May with the lost of their 5 year old daughter. She was killed when their teenage son ran over her in their driveway.
I thought I would share this as it is one of the first times Steven Curtis Chapman has shared since that tragedy.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Sermon Text: Psalm 22
Psa. 22:1 My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?
Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning.
Psa. 22:2 O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer;
And by night, but I have no rest.
Psa. 22:3 Yet You are holy,
O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.
Psa. 22:4 In You our fathers trusted;
They trusted and You delivered them.
Psa. 22:5 To You they cried out and were delivered;
In You they trusted and were not disappointed.
Psa. 22:6 But I am a worm and not a man,
A reproach of men and despised by the people.
Psa. 22:7 All who see me sneer at me;
They separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying,
Psa. 22:8 “Commit yourself to the LORD; let Him deliver him;
Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.”
Psa. 22:9 Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb;
You made me trust when upon my mother’s breasts.
Psa. 22:10 Upon You I was cast from birth;
You have been my God from my mother’s womb.
Psa. 22:11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near;
For there is none to help.
Psa. 22:12 Many bulls have surrounded me;
Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.
Psa. 22:13 They open wide their mouth at me,
As a ravening and a roaring lion.
Psa. 22:14 I am poured out like water,
And all my bones are out of joint;
My heart is like wax;
It is melted within me.
Psa. 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
And my tongue cleaves to my jaws;
And You lay me in the dust of death.
Psa. 22:16 For dogs have surrounded me;
A band of evildoers has encompassed me;
They pierced my hands and my feet.
Psa. 22:17 I can count all my bones.
They look, they stare at me;
Psa. 22:18 They divide my garments among them,
And for my clothing they cast lots.
Psa. 22:19 But You, O LORD, be not far off;
O You my help, hasten to my assistance.
Psa. 22:20 Deliver my soul from the sword,
My only life from the power of the dog.
Psa. 22:21 Save me from the lion’s mouth;
From the horns of the wild oxen You answer me.
Psa. 22:22 I will tell of Your name to my brethren;
In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.
Psa. 22:23 You who fear the LORD, praise Him;
All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him,
And stand in awe of Him, all you descendants of Israel.
Psa. 22:24 For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted;
Nor has He hidden His face from him;
But when he cried to Him for help, He heard.
Psa. 22:25 From You comes my praise in the great assembly;
I shall pay my vows before those who fear Him.
Psa. 22:26 The afflicted will eat and be satisfied;
Those who seek Him will praise the LORD.
Let your heart live forever!
Psa. 22:27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD,
And all the families of the nations will worship before You.
Psa. 22:28 For the kingdom is the LORD’S
And He rules over the nations.
Psa. 22:29 All the prosperous of the earth will eat and worship,
All those who go down to the dust will bow before Him,
Even he who cannot keep his soul alive.
Psa. 22:30 Posterity will serve Him;
It will be told of the Lord to the coming generation.
Psa. 22:31 They will come and will declare His righteousness
To a people who will be born, that He has performed it.
Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning.
Psa. 22:2 O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer;
And by night, but I have no rest.
Psa. 22:3 Yet You are holy,
O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.
Psa. 22:4 In You our fathers trusted;
They trusted and You delivered them.
Psa. 22:5 To You they cried out and were delivered;
In You they trusted and were not disappointed.
Psa. 22:6 But I am a worm and not a man,
A reproach of men and despised by the people.
Psa. 22:7 All who see me sneer at me;
They separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying,
Psa. 22:8 “Commit yourself to the LORD; let Him deliver him;
Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.”
Psa. 22:9 Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb;
You made me trust when upon my mother’s breasts.
Psa. 22:10 Upon You I was cast from birth;
You have been my God from my mother’s womb.
Psa. 22:11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near;
For there is none to help.
Psa. 22:12 Many bulls have surrounded me;
Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.
Psa. 22:13 They open wide their mouth at me,
As a ravening and a roaring lion.
Psa. 22:14 I am poured out like water,
And all my bones are out of joint;
My heart is like wax;
It is melted within me.
Psa. 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
And my tongue cleaves to my jaws;
And You lay me in the dust of death.
Psa. 22:16 For dogs have surrounded me;
A band of evildoers has encompassed me;
They pierced my hands and my feet.
Psa. 22:17 I can count all my bones.
They look, they stare at me;
Psa. 22:18 They divide my garments among them,
And for my clothing they cast lots.
Psa. 22:19 But You, O LORD, be not far off;
O You my help, hasten to my assistance.
Psa. 22:20 Deliver my soul from the sword,
My only life from the power of the dog.
Psa. 22:21 Save me from the lion’s mouth;
From the horns of the wild oxen You answer me.
Psa. 22:22 I will tell of Your name to my brethren;
In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.
Psa. 22:23 You who fear the LORD, praise Him;
All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him,
And stand in awe of Him, all you descendants of Israel.
Psa. 22:24 For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted;
Nor has He hidden His face from him;
But when he cried to Him for help, He heard.
Psa. 22:25 From You comes my praise in the great assembly;
I shall pay my vows before those who fear Him.
Psa. 22:26 The afflicted will eat and be satisfied;
Those who seek Him will praise the LORD.
Let your heart live forever!
Psa. 22:27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD,
And all the families of the nations will worship before You.
Psa. 22:28 For the kingdom is the LORD’S
And He rules over the nations.
Psa. 22:29 All the prosperous of the earth will eat and worship,
All those who go down to the dust will bow before Him,
Even he who cannot keep his soul alive.
Psa. 22:30 Posterity will serve Him;
It will be told of the Lord to the coming generation.
Psa. 22:31 They will come and will declare His righteousness
To a people who will be born, that He has performed it.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
A new trend....."Are you kidding me?"
Came across this on the BBC News Website, all I can say is what were these parents thinking.
Here is the article.
There seems to be a new trend in giving very unique names to children.
an example of a child's name => Yeah Detroit
Apparently these parents are hoping to eliminate any opportunity for their children's future.
Unbelievable
Here is the article.
There seems to be a new trend in giving very unique names to children.
an example of a child's name => Yeah Detroit
Apparently these parents are hoping to eliminate any opportunity for their children's future.
Unbelievable
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Sermon Text: Psalm 19
Psa. 19:1 The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
Psa. 19:2 Day to day pours forth speech,
And night to night reveals knowledge.
Psa. 19:3 There is no speech, nor are there words;
Their voice is not heard.
Psa. 19:4 Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their utterances to the end of the world.
In them He has placed a tent for the sun,
Psa. 19:5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber;
It rejoices as a strong man to run his course.
Psa. 19:6 Its rising is from one end of the heavens,
And its circuit to the other end of them;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
Psa. 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Psa. 19:8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Psa. 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.
Psa. 19:10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
Psa. 19:11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.
Psa. 19:12 Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.
Psa. 19:13 Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins;
Let them not rule over me;
Then I will be blameless,
And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.
Psa. 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
Psa. 19:2 Day to day pours forth speech,
And night to night reveals knowledge.
Psa. 19:3 There is no speech, nor are there words;
Their voice is not heard.
Psa. 19:4 Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their utterances to the end of the world.
In them He has placed a tent for the sun,
Psa. 19:5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber;
It rejoices as a strong man to run his course.
Psa. 19:6 Its rising is from one end of the heavens,
And its circuit to the other end of them;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
Psa. 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Psa. 19:8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Psa. 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.
Psa. 19:10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
Psa. 19:11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.
Psa. 19:12 Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.
Psa. 19:13 Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins;
Let them not rule over me;
Then I will be blameless,
And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.
Psa. 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Attention turns to China, but not good news for everyone
I am not sure how bias this article is or not, but it was disturbing to read.
I lived in China and saw persecution first hand, I know this can be very real for many Christians. I am glad the Olympic Games are coming to Beijing, I think it is a good thing. At the same time, it can also bring a lot of pressure, and particularly on the church.
Remember to pray, pray for the church in China, particularly in and around Beijing.
I lived in China and saw persecution first hand, I know this can be very real for many Christians. I am glad the Olympic Games are coming to Beijing, I think it is a good thing. At the same time, it can also bring a lot of pressure, and particularly on the church.
Remember to pray, pray for the church in China, particularly in and around Beijing.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Fun @ Fenway
There are many historical sites in New England, Bunker Hill, Concord, Boston Harbor, etc..... And on top of that, there are just simply famous places..... Cape Cod Area, Arcadia National Park, Mt. Washington, Lake Champlain, etc.....Well one place that fits in both categories is Fenway Park in Boston. And the Wakefields had a chance to visit this famous ballmark.
My alma mater, Grove City College, organized a tour of Fenway. We had a nice time seeing all the behind the scenes places you normally do not get to go. On a day like today ( hot, hot hot), the Press Box was probably one of our favorites.
Anyhow, we had a nice time, and we were glad we went. Now all we need to do is get to a game!
Friday, July 18, 2008
NECEP Interns next 2 weeks
I am getting a break from preaching for the next 2 weeks, and the help comes from the New England Center for Expository Preaching.
Two separate men will be preaching the last 2 Sundays in July on the Book of Psalms which we are faithfully studying this summer.
I appreciate the opportunity to work on Fall Planning and sermon prep for the fall, which I most desperately need to do.
If your curious, sermons often have a lot of prep outside of the immediate prep for a Biblical text that a congregation is studying on a given Sunday. I like to plan a year out the Biblical book we will be looking at, and also read and listen to sermons related to the text.
All of this takes time, and I am grateful to have these men preaching so I can work ahead towards the fall.
Two separate men will be preaching the last 2 Sundays in July on the Book of Psalms which we are faithfully studying this summer.
I appreciate the opportunity to work on Fall Planning and sermon prep for the fall, which I most desperately need to do.
If your curious, sermons often have a lot of prep outside of the immediate prep for a Biblical text that a congregation is studying on a given Sunday. I like to plan a year out the Biblical book we will be looking at, and also read and listen to sermons related to the text.
All of this takes time, and I am grateful to have these men preaching so I can work ahead towards the fall.
Sermon Text : Psalm 8
Psa. 8:1 O LORD, our Lord,
How majestic is Your name in all the earth,
Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!
Psa. 8:2 From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength
Because of Your adversaries,
To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.
Psa. 8:3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;
Psa. 8:4 What is man that You take thought of him,
And the son of man that You care for him?
Psa. 8:5 Yet You have made him a little lower than God,
And You crown him with glory and majesty!
Psa. 8:6 You make him to rule over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
Psa. 8:7 All sheep and oxen,
And also the beasts of the field,
Psa. 8:8 The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea,
Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
Psa. 8:9 O LORD, our Lord,
How majestic is Your name in all the earth!
How majestic is Your name in all the earth,
Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!
Psa. 8:2 From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength
Because of Your adversaries,
To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.
Psa. 8:3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;
Psa. 8:4 What is man that You take thought of him,
And the son of man that You care for him?
Psa. 8:5 Yet You have made him a little lower than God,
And You crown him with glory and majesty!
Psa. 8:6 You make him to rule over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
Psa. 8:7 All sheep and oxen,
And also the beasts of the field,
Psa. 8:8 The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea,
Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
Psa. 8:9 O LORD, our Lord,
How majestic is Your name in all the earth!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
What New Hampshire is known for in Religious Circles
Last year some of our elders from our Presbytery travelled to Uganda to teach at a seminary. All of them were from New Hampshire.
At first, they were not welcomed and it was unclear why. After reassuring the Uganda Christians of these elders' credentials, being biblical and conservative everything seemed fine. They had a great time
The problem was with where they were from, New Hampshire. New Hampshire in the mind of many in the church is now associated with one man, Gene Robinson.
You might have heard about him being heckled in England this past weekend, it seems not everyone in the Anglican church is still not settled on what to do next.
But in the eyes of the universal church, particularly those who are traditional, New Hampshire has a negative connotation. Next time I travel abroad, I might not want to mention I am a minister from New Hampshire.
At first, they were not welcomed and it was unclear why. After reassuring the Uganda Christians of these elders' credentials, being biblical and conservative everything seemed fine. They had a great time
The problem was with where they were from, New Hampshire. New Hampshire in the mind of many in the church is now associated with one man, Gene Robinson.
You might have heard about him being heckled in England this past weekend, it seems not everyone in the Anglican church is still not settled on what to do next.
But in the eyes of the universal church, particularly those who are traditional, New Hampshire has a negative connotation. Next time I travel abroad, I might not want to mention I am a minister from New Hampshire.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Sermon Text: Psalm 5
Psa. 5:0 For the choir director; for flute accompaniment. A Psalm of David.
Psa. 5:1 Give ear to my words, O LORD,
Consider my groaning.
Psa. 5:2 Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God,
For to You I pray.
Psa. 5:3 In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice;
In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.
Psa. 5:4 For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness;
No evil dwells with You.
Psa. 5:5 The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes;
You hate all who do iniquity.
Psa. 5:6 You destroy those who speak falsehood;
The LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.
Psa. 5:7 But as for me, by Your abundant lovingkindness I will enter Your house,
At Your holy temple I will bow in reverence for You.
Psa. 5:8 O LORD, lead me in Your righteousness because of my foes;
Make Your way straight before me.
Psa. 5:9 There is nothing reliable in what they say;
Their inward part is destruction itself.
Their throat is an open grave;
They flatter with their tongue.
Psa. 5:10 Hold them guilty, O God;
By their own devices let them fall!
In the multitude of their transgressions thrust them out,
For they are rebellious against You.
Psa. 5:11 But let all who take refuge in You be glad,
Let them ever sing for joy;
And may You shelter them,
That those who love Your name may exult in You.
Psa. 5:12 For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD,
You surround him with favor as with a shield.
Psa. 5:1 Give ear to my words, O LORD,
Consider my groaning.
Psa. 5:2 Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God,
For to You I pray.
Psa. 5:3 In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice;
In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.
Psa. 5:4 For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness;
No evil dwells with You.
Psa. 5:5 The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes;
You hate all who do iniquity.
Psa. 5:6 You destroy those who speak falsehood;
The LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.
Psa. 5:7 But as for me, by Your abundant lovingkindness I will enter Your house,
At Your holy temple I will bow in reverence for You.
Psa. 5:8 O LORD, lead me in Your righteousness because of my foes;
Make Your way straight before me.
Psa. 5:9 There is nothing reliable in what they say;
Their inward part is destruction itself.
Their throat is an open grave;
They flatter with their tongue.
Psa. 5:10 Hold them guilty, O God;
By their own devices let them fall!
In the multitude of their transgressions thrust them out,
For they are rebellious against You.
Psa. 5:11 But let all who take refuge in You be glad,
Let them ever sing for joy;
And may You shelter them,
That those who love Your name may exult in You.
Psa. 5:12 For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD,
You surround him with favor as with a shield.
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